Shark Data Lab logoShark Data Lab
Basking Shark
LamniformesAttack Relevant

Basking Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Back to species

Max Length

12m

Overview

Le deuxième plus grand poisson de la Terre. Un filtreur passif qui nage lentement la bouche énorme grande ouverte, filtrant le plancton. Complètement inoffensif pour l'homme. S'agrège saisonnièrement dans les eaux côtières productives.

Sources:static

Recorded incidents involving the basking shark

Recorded

7

Fatal

2

Fatality rate

28.6%

Years

1899–2008

Top countries

Years with most incidents

Counts are based on the species field of the Global Shark Attack File. Identifications by witnesses are often uncertain; treat figures as recorded incidents, not authoritative totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks have been recorded involving the basking shark?
7 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the basking shark, of which 2 were fatal (28.6%). Note that witness species identifications are often uncertain, so this is the count of recorded incidents.
Where do most basking shark incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded basking shark incidents are Scotland, United States.
Is the basking shark dangerous to humans?
The basking shark is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.
Where does this species data come from?
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.